NMDA Receptor Modulators and Uses Thereof

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are compounds having enhanced potency in the modulation of NMDA receptor activity. Such compounds are contemplated for use in the treatment of diseases and disorders, such as learning, cognitive activities, and analgesia, particularly in alleviating and/or reducing neuropathic pain. Orally available formulations and other pharmaceutically acceptable delivery forms of the compounds, including intravenous formulations, are also disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 13/525,861, filed Jun. 18, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/550,782, filed Oct. 24, 2011, and is a continuation in part of PCT/US11/24583, filed Feb. 11, 2011, claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/303,472, filed Feb. 11, 2010; all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

An N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is a postsynaptic, ionotropic receptor that is responsive to, inter alia, the excitatory amino acids glutamate and glycine and the synthetic compound NMDA. The NMDA receptor controls the flow of both divalent and monovalent ions into the postsynaptic neural cell through a receptor associated channel (Foster et al., Nature 1987, 329:395-396; Mayer et al., Trends in Pharmacol. Sci. 1990, 11:254-260). The NMDA receptor has been implicated during development in specifying neuronal architecture and synaptic connectivity, and may be involved in experience-dependent synaptic modifications. In addition, NMDA receptors are also thought to be involved in long term potentiation and central nervous system disorders.

The NMDA receptor plays a major role in the synaptic plasticity that underlies many higher cognitive functions, such as memory acquisition, retention and learning, as well as in certain cognitive pathways and in the perception of pain (Collingridge et al., The NMDA Receptor, Oxford University Press, 1994). In addition, certain properties of NMDA receptors suggest that they may be involved in the information-processing in the brain that underlies consciousness itself.

The NMDA receptor has drawn particular interest since it appears to be involved in a broad spectrum of CNS disorders. For instance, during brain ischemia caused by stroke or traumatic injury, excessive amounts of the excitatory amino acid glutamate are released from damaged or oxygen deprived neurons. This excess glutamate binds to the NMDA receptors which opens their ligand-gated ion channels; in turn the calcium influx produces a high level of intracellular calcium which activates a biochemical cascade resulting in protein degradation and cell death. This phenomenon, known as excitotoxicity, is also thought to be responsible for the neurological damage associated with other disorders ranging from hypoglycemia and cardiac arrest to epilepsy. In addition, there are preliminary reports indicating similar involvement in the chronic neurodegeneration of Huntington's, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's diseases. Activation of the NMDA receptor has been shown to be responsible for post-stroke convulsions, and, in certain models of epilepsy, activation of the NMDA receptor has been shown to be necessary for the generation of seizures. Neuropsychiatric involvement of the NMDA receptor has also been recognized since blockage of the NMDA receptor Ca⁺⁺ channel by the animal anesthetic PCP (phencyclidine) produces a psychotic state in humans similar to schizophrenia (reviewed in Johnson, K. and Jones, S., 1990). Further, NMDA receptors have also been implicated in certain types of spatial learning.

The NMDA receptor is believed to consist of several protein chains embedded in the postsynaptic membrane. The first two types of subunits discovered so far form a large extracellular region, which probably contains most of the allosteric binding sites, several transmembrane regions looped and folded so as to form a pore or channel, which is permeable to Ca⁺⁺, and a carboxyl terminal region. The opening and closing of the channel is regulated by the binding of various ligands to domains (allosteric sites) of the protein residing on the extracellular surface. The binding of the ligands is thought to affect a conformational change in the overall structure of the protein which is ultimately reflected in the channel opening, partially opening, partially closing, or closing.

NMDA receptor compounds may exert dual (agonist/antagonist) effect on the NMDA receptor through the allosteric sites. These compounds are typically termed “partial agonists”. In the presence of the principal site ligand, a partial agonist will displace some of the ligand and thus decrease Ca⁺⁺ flow through the receptor. In the absence of or lowered level of the principal site ligand, the partial agonist acts to increase Ca⁺⁺ flow through the receptor channel.

A need continues to exist in the art for novel and more specific/potent compounds that are capable of binding the glycine binding site of NMDA receptors, and provide pharmaceutical benefits. In addition, a need continues to exist in the medical arts for an orally deliverable forms of such compounds.

SUMMARY

Provided herein, at least in part, are compounds that are NMDA modulators, for example, partial agonists of NMDA. For example, disclosed herein are compounds represented by the formula: A compound represented by:

wherein: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers, metabolites, and hydrates thereof, wherein: R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and X are as defined below.

Also provided herein are pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising a disclosed compound, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. For example, such compositions may be suitable for oral administration to a patient.

In another aspect, a method of treating a condition selected from the group consisting of depression, Alzheimer's disease, memory loss that accompanies early stage Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit disorder, ADHD, schizophrenia, anxiety, in a patient in need thereof is provided. The method comprises administering to the patient a pharmaceutically effective amount of a disclosed compound and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers, metabolites, and hydrates thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is generally directed to compounds that are capable of modulating NMDA, e.g., NMDA antagonists or partial agonists, and compositions and/or methods of using the disclosed compounds.

DEFINITIONS

In some embodiments, the compounds, as described herein, may be substituted with any number of substituents or functional moieties. In general, the term “substituted” whether preceded by the term “optionally” or not, and substituents contained in formulas, refer to the replacement of hydrogen radicals in a given structure with the radical of a specified substituent.

In some instances, when more than one position in any given structure may be substituted with more than one substituent selected from a specified group, the substituent may be either the same or different at every position.

As used herein, the term “substituted” is contemplated to include all permissible substituents of organic compounds. In a broad aspect, the permissible substituents include acyclic and cyclic, branched and unbranched, carbocyclic and heterocyclic, aromatic and non-aromatic substituents of organic compounds. In some embodiments, heteroatoms such as nitrogen may have hydrogen substituents and/or any permissible substituents of organic compounds described herein which satisfy the valencies of the heteroatoms. Non-limiting examples of substituents include acyl; aliphatic; heteroaliphatic; aryl; heteroaryl; arylalkyl; heteroarylalkyl; alkoxy; cycloalkoxy; heterocyclylalkoxy; heterocyclyloxy; heterocyclyloxyalkyl; alkenyloxy; alkynyloxy; aryloxy; heteroalkoxy; heteroaryloxy; alkylthio; arylthio; heteroarylthio; oxo; —F; —Cl; —Br; —I; —OH; —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; —SR^(x); —CF₃; —CH₂CF₃; —CHCl₂; —CH₂OH; —CH₂CH₂OH; —CH₂NH₂; —CH₂SO₂CH₃; —OR^(x), —C(O)R^(x); —CO₂(R^(x)); —C(O)N(R^(x))₂; —C(NR^(x))N(R^(x))₂; —OC(O)R^(x); —OCO₂R^(x); —OC(O)N(R^(x))₂; —N(R^(x))₂; —SOR^(x); —S(O)₂R^(x); —NR^(x)C(O)R^(x); —NR^(x)C(O)N(R^(x))₂; —NR^(x)C(O)OR^(x); —NR^(x)C(NR^(x))N(R^(x))₂; and —C(R^(x))₃; wherein each occurrence of R^(x) independently includes, but is not limited to, hydrogen, halogen, acyl, aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, aryl, heteroaryl, arylalkyl, or heteroarylalkyl, wherein any of the aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, arylalkyl, or heteroarylalkyl substituents described above and herein may be substituted or unsubstituted, branched or unbranched, cyclic or acyclic, and wherein any of the aryl or heteroaryl substituents described above and herein may be substituted or unsubstituted. Furthermore, the compounds described herein are not intended to be limited in any manner by the permissible substituents of organic compounds. In some embodiments, combinations of substituents and variables described herein may be preferably those that result in the formation of stable compounds. The term “stable,” as used herein, refers to compounds which possess stability sufficient to allow manufacture and which maintain the integrity of the compound for a sufficient period of time to be detected and preferably for a sufficient period of time to be useful for the purposes detailed herein.

The terms “aryl” and “heteroaryl,” as used herein, refer to mono- or polycyclic unsaturated moieties having preferably 3-14 carbon atoms, each of which may be substituted or unsubstituted. In certain embodiments, “aryl” refers to a mono- or bicyclic carbocyclic ring system having one or two aromatic rings including, but not limited to, phenyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, indanyl, indenyl, and the like. In certain embodiments, “heteroaryl” refers to a mono- or bicyclic heterocyclic ring system having one or two aromatic rings in which one, two, or three ring atoms are heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of S, O, and N and the remaining ring atoms are carbon. Non-limiting examples of heteroaryl groups include pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, isooxazolyl, thiadiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiophenyl, furanyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, and the like.

The term “alkyl” as used herein refers to a saturated straight or branched hydrocarbon, for example, such as a straight or branched group of 1-6, 1-4, or 1-3 carbon atom, referred to herein as C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₄alkyl, and C₁-C₃alkyl, respectively. Exemplary alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, 2-methyl-1-propyl, 2-methyl-2-propyl, 2-methyl-1-butyl, 3-methyl-1-butyl, 2-methyl-3-butyl, 2,2-dimethyl-1-propyl, 2-methyl-1-pentyl, 3-methyl-1-pentyl, 4-methyl-1-pentyl, 2-methyl-2-pentyl, 3-methyl-2-pentyl, 4-methyl-2-pentyl, 2,2-dimethyl-1-butyl, 3,3-dimethyl-1-butyl, 2-ethyl-1-butyl, butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, etc.

Alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups can optionally be substituted, if not indicated otherwise, with one or more groups selected from alkoxy, alkyl, cycloalkyl, amino, halogen, and C(O)alkyl. In certain embodiments, the alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl groups are not substituted, i.e., they are unsubstituted.

The term “amine” or “amino” as used herein refers to a radical of the form —NR^(d)R^(e), where R^(d) and R^(e) are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, haloalkyl, heteroaryl, and heterocyclyl. The amino also may be cyclic, for example, R^(d) and R^(e) are joined together with the N to form a 3- to 12-membered ring, e.g., morpholino or piperidinyl. The term amino also includes the corresponding quaternary ammonium salt of any amino group, e.g., —[N(R^(d))(R^(e))(R^(f))]+. Exemplary amino groups include aminoalkyl groups, wherein at least one of R^(d), R^(e), or R^(f) is an alkyl group. In certain embodiment, R^(d) and R^(e) are hydrogen or alkyl.

The terms “halo” or “halogen” or “Hal” as used herein refer to F, Cl, Br, or I. The term “haloalkyl” as used herein refers to an alkyl group substituted with one or more halogen atoms.

The terms “heterocyclyl” or “heterocyclic group” are art-recognized and refer to saturated or partially unsaturated 3- to 10-membered ring structures, alternatively 3- to 7-membered rings, whose ring structures include one to four heteroatoms, such as nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. Heterocycles may also be mono-, bi-, or other multi-cyclic ring systems. A heterocycle may be fused to one or more aryl, partially unsaturated, or saturated rings. Heterocyclyl groups include, for example, biotinyl, chromenyl, dihydrofuryl, dihydroindolyl, dihydropyranyl, dihydrothienyl, dithiazolyl, homopiperidinyl, imidazolidinyl, isoquinolyl, isothiazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl, morpholinyl, oxolanyl, oxazolidinyl, phenoxanthenyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, pyranyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolidin-2-onyl, pyrrolinyl, tetrahydrofuryl, tetrahydroisoquinolyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydroquinolyl, thiazolidinyl, thiolanyl, thiomorpholinyl, thiopyranyl, xanthenyl, lactones, lactams such as azetidinones and pyrrolidinones, sultams, sultones, and the like. The heterocyclic ring may be substituted at one or more positions with substituents such as alkanoyl, alkoxy, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, amido, amidino, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, azido, carbamate, carbonate, carboxy, cyano, cycloalkyl, ester, ether, formyl, halogen, haloalkyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, hydroxyl, imino, ketone, nitro, phosphate, phosphonato, phosphinato, sulfate, sulfide, sulfonamido, sulfonyl and thiocarbonyl. In certain embodiments, the heterocyclic group is not substituted, i.e., the heterocyclic group is unsubstituted.

The terms “hydroxy” and “hydroxyl” as used herein refers to the radical —OH.

The term “oxo” as used herein refers to the radical ═O.

“Pharmaceutically or pharmacologically acceptable” include molecular entities and compositions that do not produce an adverse, allergic or other untoward reaction when administered to an animal, or a human, as appropriate. “For human administration, preparations should meet sterility, pyrogenicity, general safety and purity standards as required by FDA Office of Biologics standards.

As used in the present disclosure, the term “partial NMDA receptor agonist” is defined as a compound that is capable of binding to a glycine binding site of an NMDA receptor; at low concentrations a NMDA receptor agonist acts substantially as agonist and at high concentrations it acts substantially as an antagonist. These concentrations are experimentally determined for each and every “partial agonist.

As used herein “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” or “excipient” includes any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, and the like that are physiologically compatible. In one embodiment, the carrier is suitable for parenteral administration. Alternatively, the carrier can be suitable for intravenous, intraperitoneal, intramuscular, sublingual or oral administration. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include sterile aqueous solutions or dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersion. The use of such media and agents for pharmaceutically active substances is well known in the art. Except insofar as any conventional media or agent is incompatible with the active compound, use thereof in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is contemplated. Supplementary active compounds can also be incorporated into the compositions.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt(s)” as used herein refers to salts of acidic or basic groups that may be present in compounds used in the present compositions. Compounds included in the present compositions that are basic in nature are capable of forming a wide variety of salts with various inorganic and organic acids. The acids that may be used to prepare pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of such basic compounds are those that form non-toxic acid addition salts, i.e., salts containing pharmacologically acceptable anions, including but not limited to malate, oxalate, chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate, sulfate, bisulfate, phosphate, acid phosphate, isonicotinate, acetate, lactate, salicylate, citrate, tartrate, oleate, tannate, pantothenate, bitartrate, ascorbate, succinate, maleate, gentisinate, fumarate, gluconate, glucaronate, saccharate, formate, benzoate, glutamate, methanesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate and pamoate (i.e., 1,1′-methylene-bis-(2-hydroxy-3-naphthoate)) salts. Compounds included in the present compositions that include an amino moiety may form pharmaceutically acceptable salts with various amino acids, in addition to the acids mentioned above. Compounds included in the present compositions that are acidic in nature are capable of forming base salts with various pharmacologically acceptable cations. Examples of such salts include alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts and, particularly, calcium, magnesium, sodium, lithium, zinc, potassium, and iron salts.

The compounds of the disclosure may contain one or more chiral centers and/or double bonds and, therefore, exist as stereoisomers, such as geometric isomers, enantiomers or diastereomers. The term “stereoisomers” when used herein consist of all geometric isomers, enantiomers or diastereomers. These compounds may be designated by the symbols “R” or “S,” depending on the configuration of substituents around the stereogenic carbon atom. The present invention encompasses various stereoisomers of these compounds and mixtures thereof. Stereoisomers include enantiomers and diastereomers. Mixtures of enantiomers or diastereomers may be designated “(±)” in nomenclature, but the skilled artisan will recognize that a structure may denote a chiral center implicitly.

Individual stereoisomers of compounds of the present invention can be prepared synthetically from commercially available starting materials that contain asymmetric or stereogenic centers, or by preparation of racemic mixtures followed by resolution methods well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. These methods of resolution are exemplified by (1) attachment of a mixture of enantiomers to a chiral auxiliary, separation of the resulting mixture of diastereomers by recrystallization or chromatography and liberation of the optically pure product from the auxiliary, (2) salt formation employing an optically active resolving agent, or (3) direct separation of the mixture of optical enantiomers on chiral chromatographic columns. Stereoisomeric mixtures can also be resolved into their component stereoisomers by well known methods, such as chiral-phase gas chromatography, chiral-phase high performance liquid chromatography, crystallizing the compound as a chiral salt complex, or crystallizing the compound in a chiral solvent. Stereoisomers can also be obtained from stereomerically-pure intermediates, reagents, and catalysts by well known asymmetric synthetic methods.

Geometric isomers can also exist in the compounds of the present invention. The symbol

denotes a bond that may be a single, double or triple bond as described herein. The present invention encompasses the various geometric isomers and mixtures thereof resulting from the arrangement of substituents around a carbon-carbon double bond or arrangement of substituents around a carbocyclic ring. Substituents around a carbon-carbon double bond are designated as being in the “Z” or “E” configuration wherein the terms “Z” and “E” are used in accordance with IUPAC standards. Unless otherwise specified, structures depicting double bonds encompass both the “E” and “Z” isomers.

Substituents around a carbon-carbon double bond alternatively can be referred to as “cis” or “trans,” where “cis” represents substituents on the same side of the double bond and “trans” represents substituents on opposite sides of the double bond. The arrangement of substituents around a carbocyclic ring are designated as “cis” or “trans.” The term “cis” represents substituents on the same side of the plane of the ring and the term “trans” represents substituents on opposite sides of the plane of the ring. Mixtures of compounds wherein the substituents are disposed on both the same and opposite sides of plane of the ring are designated “cis/trans.”

The compounds disclosed herein can exist in solvated as well as unsolvated forms with pharmaceutically acceptable solvents such as water, ethanol, and the like, and it is intended that the invention embrace both solvated and unsolvated forms. In one embodiment, the compound is amorphous. In one embodiment, the compound is a polymorph. In another embodiment, the compound is in a crystalline form.

The invention also embraces isotopically labeled compounds of the invention which are identical to those recited herein, except that one or more atoms are replaced by an atom having an atomic mass or mass number different from the atomic mass or mass number usually found in nature. Examples of isotopes that can be incorporated into compounds of the invention include isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, fluorine and chlorine, such as ²H, ³H, ¹³C, ¹⁴C, ¹⁵N, ¹⁸O, ¹⁷O, ³¹P, ³²P, ³⁵S, ¹⁸F, and ³⁶Cl, respectively.

Certain isotopically-labeled disclosed compounds (e.g., those labeled with ³H and ¹⁴C) are useful in compound and/or substrate tissue distribution assays. Tritiated (i.e., ³H) and carbon-14 (i.e., ¹⁴C) isotopes are particularly preferred for their ease of preparation and detectability. Further, substitution with heavier isotopes such as deuterium (i.e., ²H) may afford certain therapeutic advantages resulting from greater metabolic stability (e.g., increased in vivo half-life or reduced dosage requirements) and hence may be preferred in some circumstances. Isotopically labeled compounds of the invention can generally be prepared by following procedures analogous to those disclosed in the e.g., Examples herein by substituting an isotopically labeled reagent for a non-isotopically labeled reagent.

As used in the present disclosure, “NMDA” is defined as N-methyl-d-aspartate.

In the present specification, the term “therapeutically effective amount” means the amount of the subject compound that will elicit the biological or medical response of a tissue, system, animal or human that is being sought by the researcher, veterinarian, medical doctor or other clinician. The compounds of the invention are administered in therapeutically effective amounts to treat a disease. Alternatively, a therapeutically effective amount of a compound is the quantity required to achieve a desired therapeutic and/or prophylactic effect, such as an amount which results in defined as that amount needed to give maximal enhancement of a behavior (for example, learning), physiological response (for example, LTP induction), or inhibition of neuropathic pain.

Compounds

Disclosed compounds include those represented by the formula:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers, metabolites, and hydrates thereof, wherein:

R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ may be independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; halogen; cyclic or acyclic, substituted or unsubstituted, branched or unbranched aliphatic; cyclic or acyclic, substituted or unsubstituted, branched or unbranched heteroaliphatic; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl; —OR^(x); —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; —SR^(x); —C(O)R^(x); —CO₂(R^(x)); —C(O)N(R^(x))₂; —C(NR^(x))N(R^(x))₂; —OC(O)R^(x); —OCO₂R^(x); —OC(O)N(R^(x))₂; —N(R^(x))₂; —SOR^(x); —S(O)₂R^(x); —NR^(x)C(O)R^(x); —NR^(x)C(O)N(R^(x))₂; —NR^(x)C(O)OR^(x); —NR^(x)C(NR^(x))N(R^(x))₂; and —C(R^(x))₃; wherein each occurrence of R^(x) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; halogen; acyl; optionally substituted aliphatic; optionally substituted heteroaliphatic; optionally substituted aryl; and optionally substituted heteroaryl;

R⁵ and R⁶ may be independently selected from the group consisting of -Q-Ar and hydrogen, provided that at least one of R⁵ and R⁶ is -Q-Ar; wherein Q is independently selected from the group consisting of cyclic or acyclic, substituted or unsubstituted, branched or unbranched aliphatic; cyclic or acyclic, substituted or unsubstituted, branched or unbranched heteroaliphatic; and a bond; and wherein Ar is selected from the group consisting substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl; or R⁵ and R⁶, together with the atoms to which they are attached, form a substituted or unsubstituted 4-6 membered heterocyclic or cycloalkyl ring;

R⁷ and R⁸ may be independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; halogen; hydroxyl; substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkoxy; and substituted or unsubstituted aryl; or R⁷ and R⁸, together with the atoms to which they are attached, form a substituted or unsubstituted 4-6 membered heterocyclic or cycloalkyl ring;

R⁹ and R¹⁰ may be independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C₁-C₆ alkyl, optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, oxo, and hydroxyl; C₂₋₆alkenyl, optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, oxo, and hydroxyl; C₂₋₆alkynyl, optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, oxo, and hydroxyl; C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl, halogen, oxo, and hydroxyl; phenyl, optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₆alkoxy; halogen; hydroxyl; —C(O)R^(x); —CO₂(R^(x)); —C(O)N(R^(x))₂; —C(NR^(x))N(R^(x))₂; and —C(R^(x))₃;

X is selected from the group consisting of OR^(x) or NR^(x)R^(x); wherein each occurrence of R^(x) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; halogen; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₂₋₆alkenyl; C₂₋₆alkynyl; C₃₋₆cycloalkyl; and phenyl; or R⁹ and R¹⁰, together with N, form a 4-6 membered heterocyclic ring, optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl, halogen, oxo, and hydroxyl.

In some embodiments, R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ may be independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; halogen; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₂₋₆alkenyl; C₂₋₆alkynyl; C₃₋₆cycloalkyl; phenyl; naphthyl; heteroaryl; heterocyclyl; C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-; phenyl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-; naphthyl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-; heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl-; and heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl-; —OR^(x); —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; —SR^(x); —C(O)R^(x); —CO₂(R^(x)); —C(O)N(R^(x))₂; —C(NR^(x))N(R^(x))₂; —OC(O)R^(x); —OCO₂R^(x); —OC(O)N(R^(x))₂; —N(R^(x))₂; —SOR^(x); —S(O)₂R^(x); —NR^(x)C(O)R^(x); —NR^(x)C(O)N(R^(x))₂; —NR^(x)C(O)OR^(x); —NR^(x)C(NR^(x))N(R^(x))₂; and —C(R^(x))₃; wherein heteroaryl is a 5-6 membered ring having one, two, or three heteroatoms each independently selected from N, O, or S; wherein heteroaryl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(b); wherein heterocyclyl is a 4-7 membered ring optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(c); wherein when heterocyclyl contains a NH moiety, that NH moiety is optionally substituted by R^(d); wherein C₂₋₆alkenyl and C₂₋₆alkynyl, are each independently optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(e); wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(f); wherein C₃₋₆cycloalkyl is independently optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(g);

R^(b) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of halogen; hydroxyl; —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₂₋₆alkenyl; C₂₋₆alkynyl; C₃₋₆cycloalkyl; C₁₋₆alkoxy; C₃₋₆alkenyloxy; C₃₋₆alkynyloxy; C₃₋₆cycloalkoxy; C₁₋₆alkyl-S(O)_(w)—, where w is 0, 1, or 2; C₁₋₆ alkylC₃₋₆ cycloalkyl-; C₃₋₆ cyclo alkyl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-; C₁₋₆ alkoxycarbonyl-N(R^(a))—; C₁₋₆ alkylN(R^(a))—; C₁₋₆ alkyl-N(R^(a))carbonyl-; R^(a)R^(a′)N—; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl-; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl-N(R^(a))—; R^(a)R^(a′)N—SO₂—; and C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl-N(R^(a))—;

R^(a) and R^(a′) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁₋₆alkyl, or R^(a) and R^(a′) when taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 4-6 membered heterocyclic ring, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, oxo, and hydroxyl, and wherein the heterocyclic ring is optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl, oxo, or hydroxyl;

R^(c) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of halogen; hydroxyl; —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; oxo; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₂₋₆alkenyl; C₂₋₆alkynyl; C₃₋₆cycloalkyl; C₁₋₆alkoxy; C₃₋₆alkenyloxy; C₃₋₆alkynyloxy; C₃₋₆cycloalkoxy; C₁₋₆alkyl-S(O)_(w)—, where w is 0, 1, or 2; C₁₋₆ alkylC₃₋₆ cycloalkyl-; C₃₋₆ cyclo alkyl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-; C₁₋₆ alkoxycarbonyl-N(R^(a))—; C₁₋₆ alkylN(R^(a))—; C₁₋₆ alkyl-N(R^(a))carbonyl-; R^(a)R^(a′)N—; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl-; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl-N(R^(a))—; R^(a)R^(a′)N—SO₂—; and C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl-N(R^(a))—;

R^(d) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, and C₁₋₆alkylsulfonyl, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, and R^(a)R^(a′)N—;

R^(e) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of halogen; hydroxyl; —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; C₁₋₄alkoxy; C₁₋₄alkoxycarbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—SO₂—; and C₁₋₄alkylS(O)_(w)—, where w is 0, 1, or 2;

R^(f) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of halogen; hydroxyl; —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; C₁₋₄alkoxy; C₁₋₄alkoxycarbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—SO₂—; and C₁₋₄alkylS(O)_(w)—, where w is 0, 1, or 2;

R^(g) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₄alkoxy; C₁₋₄alkoxycarbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—SO₂—; and C₁₋₄alkylS(O)_(w)—, where w is 0, 1, or 2;

R^(x) may be selected, independently, from the group consisting of hydrogen; halogen; C₁-6alkyl; C₂₋₆alkenyl; C₂₋₆alkynyl; C₃₋₆cycloalkyl; phenyl; naphthyl; heteroaryl; heterocyclyl; C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-; phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl-; naphthyl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-; heteroaryl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-; and heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl-; wherein heteroaryl is a 5-6 membered ring having one, two, or three heteroatoms each independently selected from N, O, or S; wherein heteroaryl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(b); wherein heterocyclyl is a 4-7 membered ring optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(c); wherein when heterocyclyl contains a NH moiety, that NH moiety is optionally substituted by R^(d); wherein C₂₋₆alkenyl and C₂₋₆alkynyl, are each independently optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(e); wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(f); wherein C₃₋₆cycloalkyl is independently optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(g).

In certain embodiments, at least one of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ may be hydroxyl.

In some instances, at least one of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ may be C₁-C₆ alkyl, optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents selected independently from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, —NH₂, and cyano.

In some embodiments, at least one of R⁵ and R⁶ may be —(C₁-C₆ alkylene)-Ar. At least one of R⁵ and R⁶ may also be —CH₂—Ar. In some cases, at least one of R⁵ and R⁶ is -Q-phenyl. In certain examples, one of R⁵ and R⁶ may be hydrogen.

In some cases, R⁷ and R⁸ may be independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; halogen; hydroxyl; C₁-C₆ alkyl; phenyl; and naphthyl; or R⁷ and R⁸, together with the atoms to which they are attached, form a 4-6 membered heterocyclic or cycloalkyl ring; wherein C₁-C₆ alkyl, phenyl, naphthyl, the cycloalkyl ring, and the heterocyclic ring each may be substituted independently by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen; hydroxyl; —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; C₁₋₄alkoxy; C₁₋₄alkoxycarbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—SO₂—; and C₁₋₄alkylS(O)_(w)—, where w is 0, 1, or 2; wherein R^(a) and R^(a′) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁₋₆alkyl, or R^(a) and R^(a′) when taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 4-6 membered heterocyclic ring, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, oxo, and hydroxyl, and wherein the heterocyclic ring is optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl, oxo, or hydroxyl.

In some cases, R⁷ and R⁸ may be hydrogen.

X may be, for example, selected from the group consisting of OH and NH₂.

In an exemplary embodiment, a compound may be represented by:

wherein X is OH or NH₂.

In an exemplary embodiment, a compound may be represented by:

In another exemplary embodiment, a compound may be represented by:

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a compound may be represented by:

Provided herein, for example, is a compound represented by:

wherein X is OH or NH₂, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Disclosed compounds also include those represented by the formula:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers, metabolites, and hydrates thereof, wherein:

R¹ and R³ may be independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; halogen; cyclic or acyclic, substituted or unsubstituted, branched or unbranched aliphatic; cyclic or acyclic, substituted or unsubstituted, branched or unbranched heteroaliphatic; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl; —OR^(x); —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; —SR^(x); —C(O)R^(x); —CO₂(R^(x)); —C(O)N(R^(x))₂; —C(NR^(x))N(R^(x))₂; —OC(O)R^(x); —OCO₂R^(x); —OC(O)N(R^(x))₂; —N(R^(x))₂; —SOR^(x); —S(O)₂R^(x); —NR^(x)C(O)R^(x); —NR^(x)C(O)N(R^(x))₂; —NR^(x)C(O)OR^(x); —NR^(x)C(NR^(x))N(R^(x))₂; and —C(R^(x))₃; wherein each occurrence of R^(x) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; halogen; acyl; optionally substituted aliphatic; optionally substituted heteroaliphatic; optionally substituted aryl; and optionally substituted heteroaryl;

R² and R⁴ may be independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and —OR^(x), provided that at least one of R² and R⁴ is hydrogen, wherein R^(x) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; halogen; acyl; optionally substituted aliphatic; optionally substituted heteroaliphatic; optionally substituted aryl; and optionally substituted heteroaryl;

R⁵ and R⁶ may be independently selected from the group consisting of -Q-Ar and hydrogen; wherein Q is independently selected from the group consisting of cyclic or acyclic, substituted or unsubstituted, branched or unbranched aliphatic; cyclic or acyclic, substituted or unsubstituted, branched or unbranched heteroaliphatic; and a bond; and wherein Ar is selected from the group consisting substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl; or R⁵ and R⁶, together with the atoms to which they are attached, form a substituted or unsubstituted 4-6 membered heterocyclic or cycloalkyl ring;

R⁷ and R⁸ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; halogen; hydroxyl; substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkoxy; and substituted or unsubstituted aryl; or R⁷ and R⁸, together with the atoms to which they are attached, form a substituted or unsubstituted 4-6 membered heterocyclic or cycloalkyl ring;

R⁹ and R¹⁰ may be independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C₁-C₆ alkyl, optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, oxo, and hydroxyl; C₂₋₆alkenyl, optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, oxo, and hydroxyl; C₂₋₆alkynyl, optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, oxo, and hydroxyl; C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl, halogen, oxo, and hydroxyl; phenyl, optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₆alkoxy; halogen; hydroxyl; —C(O)R^(x); —CO₂(R^(x)); —C(O)N(R^(x))₂; —C(NR^(x))N(R^(x))₂; and —C(R^(x))₃; wherein each occurrence of R^(x) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; halogen; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₂₋₆alkenyl; C₂₋₆alkynyl; C₃₋₆cycloalkyl; and phenyl; or R⁹ and R¹⁰, together with N, form a 4-6 membered heterocyclic ring, optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl, halogen, oxo, and hydroxyl.

In some embodiments, R¹ and R³ may be independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; halogen; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₂₋₆alkenyl; C₂₋₆alkynyl; C₃₋₆cycloalkyl; phenyl; naphthyl; heteroaryl; heterocyclyl; C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-; phenyl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-; naphthyl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-; heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl-; and heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl-; —OR^(x); —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; —SR^(x); —C(O)R^(x); —CO₂(R^(x)); —C(O)N(R^(x))₂; —C(NR^(x))N(R^(x))₂; —OC(O)R^(x); —OCO₂R^(x); —OC(O)N(R^(x))₂; —N(R^(x))₂; —SOR^(x); —S(O)₂R^(x); —NR^(x)C(O)R^(x); —NR^(x)C(O)N(R^(x))₂; —NR^(x)C(O)OR^(x); —NR^(x)C(NR^(x))N(R^(x))₂; and —C(R^(x))₃; wherein heteroaryl is a 5-6 membered ring having one, two, or three heteroatoms each independently selected from N, O, or S; wherein heteroaryl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(b); wherein heterocyclyl is a 4-7 membered ring optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(c); wherein when heterocyclyl contains a NH moiety, that NH moiety is optionally substituted by R^(d); wherein C₂₋₆alkenyl and C₂₋₆alkynyl, are each independently optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(e); wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(f); wherein C₃₋₆cycloalkyl is independently optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(g);

R^(b) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of halogen; hydroxyl; —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₂₋₆alkenyl; C₂₋₆alkynyl; C₃₋₆cycloalkyl; C₁₋₆alkoxy; C₃₋₆alkenyloxy; C₃₋₆alkynyloxy; C₃₋₆cycloalkoxy; C₁₋₆alkyl-S(O)_(w)—, where w is 0, 1, or 2; C₁₋₆ alkylC₃₋₆ cycloalkyl-; C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-; C₁₋₆ alkoxycarbonyl-N(R^(a))—; C₁₋₆ alkylN(R^(a))—; C₁₋₆ alkyl-N(R^(a))carbonyl-; R^(a)R^(a′)N—; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl-; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl-N(R^(a))—; R^(a)R^(a′)N—SO₂—; and C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl-N(R^(a))—;

R^(a) and R^(a′) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁₋₆alkyl, or R^(a) and R^(a′) when taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 4-6 membered heterocyclic ring, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, oxo, and hydroxyl, and wherein the heterocyclic ring is optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl, oxo, or hydroxyl;

R^(c) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of halogen; hydroxyl; —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; oxo; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₂₋₆alkenyl; C₂₋₆alkynyl; C₃₋₆cycloalkyl; C₁₋₆alkoxy; C₃₋₆alkenyloxy; C₃₋₆alkynyloxy; C₃₋₆cycloalkoxy; C₁₋₆alkyl-S(O)_(w)—, where w is 0, 1, or 2; C₁₋₆ alkylC₃₋₆ cycloalkyl-; C₃₋₆ cyclo alkyl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-; C₁₋₆ alkoxycarbonyl-N(R^(a))—; C₁₋₆ alkylN(R^(a))—; C₁₋₆alkyl-N(R^(a))carbonyl-; R^(a)R^(a′)N—; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl-; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl-N(R^(a))—; R^(a)R^(a′)N—SO₂—; and C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl-N(R^(a))—;

R^(d) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, and C₁₋₆alkylsulfonyl, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, and R^(a)R^(a′)N—;

R^(e) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of halogen; hydroxyl; —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; C₁₋₄alkoxy; C₁₋₄alkoxycarbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—SO₂—; and C₁₋₄alkylS(O)_(w)—, where w is 0, 1, or 2;

R^(f) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of halogen; hydroxyl; —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; C₁₋₄alkoxy; C₁₋₄alkoxycarbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—SO₂—; and C₁₋₄alkylS(O)_(w)—, where w is 0, 1, or 2;

R^(g) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₄alkoxy; C₁₋₄alkoxycarbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—SO₂—; and C₁₋₄alkylS(O)_(w)—, where w is 0, 1, or 2;

R^(x) may be selected, independently, from the group consisting of hydrogen; halogen; C₁-6alkyl; C₂₋₆alkenyl; C₂₋₆alkynyl; C₃₋₆cycloalkyl; phenyl; naphthyl; heteroaryl; heterocyclyl; C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-; phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl-; naphthyl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-; heteroaryl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-; and heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl-; wherein heteroaryl is a 5-6 membered ring having one, two, or three heteroatoms each independently selected from N, O, or S; wherein heteroaryl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(b); wherein heterocyclyl is a 4-7 membered ring optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(c); wherein when heterocyclyl contains a NH moiety, that NH moiety is optionally substituted by R^(d); wherein C₂₋₆alkenyl and C₂₋₆alkynyl, are each independently optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(e); wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(f); wherein C₃₋₆cycloalkyl is independently optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(g).

In some cases, R² and R⁴ may be independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and —OR^(x), provided that at least one of R² and R⁴ is hydrogen, wherein R^(x) may be selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; halogen; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₂₋₆alkenyl; C₂₋₆alkynyl; C₃₋₆cycloalkyl; phenyl; naphthyl; heteroaryl; heterocyclyl; C₃₋₆cycloalkyl-C₁₋₆alkyl-; phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl-; naphthyl-C₁₋₆alkyl-; heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl-; and heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl-; wherein heteroaryl is a 5-6 membered ring having one, two, or three heteroatoms each independently selected from N, O, or S; wherein heteroaryl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(b); wherein heterocyclyl is a 4-7 membered ring optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(c); wherein when heterocyclyl contains a NH moiety, that NH moiety is optionally substituted by R^(d); wherein C₂₋₆alkenyl and C₂₋₆alkynyl, are each independently optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(e); wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(f); wherein C₃₋₆cycloalkyl is independently optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from R^(g);

R^(b) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of halogen; hydroxyl; —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₂₋₆alkenyl; C₂₋₆alkynyl; C₃₋₆cycloalkyl; C₁₋₆alkoxy; C₃₋₆alkenyloxy; C₃₋₆alkynyloxy; C₃₋₆cycloalkoxy; C₁₋₆alkyl-S(O)_(w)—, where w is 0, 1, or 2; C₁₋₆alkylC₃₋₆cycloalkyl-; C₃₋₆cycloalkyl-C₁₋₆alkyl-; C₁₋₆alkoxycarbonyl-N(R^(a))—; C₁₋₆alkylN(R^(a))—; C₁₋₆alkyl-N(R^(a))carbonyl-; R^(a)R^(a′)N—; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl-; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl-N(R^(a))—; R^(a)R^(a′)N—SO₂—; and C₁₋₆alkyl-carbonyl-N(R^(a))—;

R^(a) and R^(a′) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁₋₆alkyl, or R^(a) and R^(a′) when taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 4-6 membered heterocyclic ring, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, oxo, and hydroxyl, and wherein the heterocyclic ring is optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl, oxo, or hydroxyl;

R^(c) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of halogen; hydroxyl; —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; oxo; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₂₋₆alkenyl; C₂₋₆alkynyl; C₃₋₆cycloalkyl; C₁₋₆alkoxy; C₃₋₆alkenyloxy; C₃₋₆alkynyloxy; C₃₋₆cycloalkoxy; C₁₋₆alkyl-S(O)_(w)—, where w is 0, 1, or 2; C₁₋₆ alkylC₃₋₆ cycloalkyl-; C₃₋₆ cyclo alkyl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-; C₁₋₆ alkoxycarbonyl-N(R^(a))—; C₁₋₆ alkylN(R^(a))—; C₁₋₆ alkyl-N(R^(a))carbonyl-; R^(a)R^(a′)N—; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl-; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl-N(R^(a))—; R^(a)R^(a′)N—SO₂—; and C₁₋₆ alkyl-carbonyl-N(R^(a))—;

R^(d) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonyl, and C₁₋₆alkylsulfonyl, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, and R^(a)R^(a′)N—;

R^(e) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of halogen; hydroxyl; —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; C₁₋₄alkoxy; C₁₋₄alkoxycarbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—SO₂—; and C₁₋₄alkylS(O)_(w)—, where w is 0, 1, or 2;

R^(f) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of halogen; hydroxyl; —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; C₁₋₄alkoxy; C₁₋₄alkoxycarbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—SO₂—; and C₁₋₄alkylS(O)_(w)—, where w is 0, 1, or 2;

R^(g) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₄alkoxy; C₁₋₄alkoxycarbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—SO₂—; and C₁₋₄alkylS(O)_(w)—, where w is 0, 1, or 2.

In certain embodiments, R⁵ and R⁶ may be independently selected from the group consisting of -Q-Ar and hydrogen; wherein Q is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl; C₂₋₆alkenyl; C₂₋₆alkynyl; C₃₋₆cycloalkyl; heterocyclyl; C₃₋₆cycloalkyl-C₁₋₆alkyl-; heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl-; and a bond; and wherein Ar is selected from the group consisting substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, naphthyl, and heteroaryl; or R⁵ and R⁶, together with the atoms to which they are attached, form a 4-6 membered heterocyclic or cycloalkyl ring, optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; C₁₋₆alkyl; C₁₋₄alkoxy; C₁₋₄alkoxycarbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—SO₂—; and C₁₋₄alkylS(O)_(w)—, where w is 0, 1, or 2; and

wherein R^(a) and R^(a′) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁₋₆alkyl, or R^(a) and R^(a′) when taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 4-6 membered heterocyclic ring, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, oxo, and hydroxyl, and wherein the heterocyclic ring is optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl, oxo, or hydroxyl.

In certain embodiments, at least one of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ may be hydroxyl.

In some instances, at least one of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ may be C₁-C₆ alkyl, optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents selected independently from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, —NH₂, and cyano.

In some embodiments, at least one of R⁵ and R⁶ may be —(C₁-C₆ alkylene)-Ar. At least one of R⁵ and R⁶ may also be —CH₂—Ar. In some cases, at least one of R⁵ and R⁶ is -Q-phenyl. In certain examples, one of R⁵ and R⁶ may be hydrogen.

In some cases, R⁷ and R⁸ may be independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; halogen; hydroxyl; C₁-C₆ alkyl; phenyl; and naphthyl; or R⁷ and R⁸, together with the atoms to which they are attached, form a 4-6 membered heterocyclic or cycloalkyl ring; wherein C₁-C₆ alkyl, phenyl, naphthyl, the cycloalkyl ring, and the heterocyclic ring each may be substituted independently by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen; hydroxyl; —NO₂; —N₃; —CN; —SCN; C₁₋₄alkoxy; C₁₋₄alkoxycarbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—; R^(a)R^(a′)N-carbonyl; R^(a)R^(a′)N—SO₂—; and C₁₋₄alkylS(O)_(w)—, where w is 0, 1, or 2; wherein R^(a) and R^(a′) may be selected, independently for each occurrence, from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁₋₆alkyl, or R^(a) and R^(a′) when taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 4-6 membered heterocyclic ring, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, oxo, and hydroxyl, and wherein the heterocyclic ring is optionally substituted by one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl, oxo, or hydroxyl.

In some cases, R⁷ and R⁸ may be hydrogen.

In an exemplary embodiment, a compound may be represented by:

In another exemplary embodiment, a compound may be represented by:

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a compound may be represented by:

For example, provided herein is a compound represented by:

wherein:

R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; halogen, C₁-C₆alkyl, or OH;

R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of —CH₂-phenyl and hydrogen, provided that R⁵ is —CH₂-phenyl when R₁ and R₃ are OH and R₂ and R₄ are methyl;

X is selected from the group consisting of OR^(x) and NR^(x)R^(x), wherein R^(x) is independently selected, for each occurrence, from the group consisting of hydrogen, and C₁-C₆alkyl; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers, and hydrates thereof.

The compounds of the present disclosure and formulations thereof may have a plurality of chiral centers. Each chiral center may be independently R, S, or any mixture of R and S. For example, in some embodiments, a chiral center may have an R:S ratio of between about 100:0 and about 50:50, between about 100:0 and about 75:25, between about 100:0 and about 85:15, between about 100:0 and about 90:10, between about 100:0 and about 95:5, between about 100:0 and about 98:2, between about 100:0 and about 99:1, between about 0:100 and 50:50, between about 0:100 and about 25:75, between about 0:100 and about 15:85, between about 0:100 and about 10:90, between about 0:100 and about 5:95, between about 0:100 and about 2:98, between about 0:100 and about 1:99, between about 75:25 and 25:75, and about 50:50. Formulations of the disclosed compounds comprising a greater ratio of one or more isomers (i.e., R and/or S) may possess enhanced therapeutic characteristic relative to racemic formulations of a disclosed compounds or mixture of compounds.

Disclosed compounds may provide for efficient cation channel opening at the NMDA receptor, e.g. may bind or associate with the glutamate site of the NMDA receptor to assist in opening the cation channel. The disclosed compounds may be used to regulate (turn on or turn off) the NMDA receptor through action as an agonist.

The compounds as described herein may be glycine site NMDA receptor partial agonists. A partial agonist as used in this context will be understood to mean that at a low concentration, the analog acts as an agonist and at a high concentration, the analog acts as an antagonist. Glycine binding is not inhibited by glutamate or by competitive inhibitors of glutamate, and also does not bind at the same site as glutamate on the NMDA receptor. A second and separate binding site for glycine exists at the NMDA receptor. The ligand-gated ion channel of the NMDA receptor is, thus, under the control of at least these two distinct allosteric sites. Disclosed compounds may be capable of binding or associating with the glycine binding site of the NMDA receptor. In some embodiments, disclosed compounds may possess a potency that is 10-fold or greater than the activity of existing NMDA receptor glycine site partial agonists. For example, disclosed compounds may possess a 10-fold to 20-fold enhanced potency compared to GLYX-13. GLYX-13 is represented by:

For example, provided herein are compounds that may be at least about 20-fold more potent as compared to GLYX-13, as measured by burst activated NMDA receptorgated single neuron conductance (I_(NMDA)) in a culture of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons at a concentration of 50 nM. In another embodiment, a provided compound may be capable of generating an enhanced single shock evoked NMDA receptor-gated single neuron conductance (I_(NMDA)) in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons at concentrations of 100 nM to 1 μM. Disclosed compounds may have enhanced potency as compared to GLYX-13 as measured by magnitude of long term potentiation (LTP) at Schaffer collateral-CA-1 synapses in in vitro hippocampal slices.

The disclosed compounds may exhibit a high therapeutic index. The therapeutic index, as used herein, refers to the ratio of the dose that produces a toxicity in 50% of the population (i.e., TD₅₀) to the minimum effective dose for 50% of the population (i.e., ED₅₀). Thus, the therapeutic index=(TD₅₀):(ED₅₀). In some embodiments, a disclosed compound may have a therapeutic index of at least about 10:1, at least about 50:1, at least about 100:1, at least about 200:1, at least about 500:1, or at least about 1000:1.

Compositions

In other aspects, formulations and compositions comprising the disclosed compounds and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient are provided. In some embodiments, a contemplated formulation comprises a racemic mixture of one or more of the disclosed compounds.

Contemplated formulations may be prepared in any of a variety of forms for use. By way of example, and not limitation, the compounds may be prepared in a formulation suitable for oral administration, subcutaneous injection, or other methods for administering an active agent to an animal known in the pharmaceutical arts.

Amounts of a disclosed compound as described herein in a formulation may vary according to factors such as the disease state, age, sex, and weight of the individual. Dosage regimens may be adjusted to provide the optimum therapeutic response. For example, a single bolus may be administered, several divided doses may be administered over time or the dose may be proportionally reduced or increased as indicated by the exigencies of the therapeutic situation. It is especially advantageous to formulate parenteral compositions in dosage unit form for ease of administration and uniformity of dosage. Dosage unit form as used herein refers to physically discrete units suited as unitary dosages for the mammalian subjects to be treated; each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active compound calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier.

The specification for the dosage unit forms of the invention are dictated by and directly dependent on (a) the unique characteristics of the compound selected and the particular therapeutic effect to be achieved, and (b) the limitations inherent in the art of compounding such an active compound for the treatment of sensitivity in individuals.

Therapeutic compositions typically must be sterile and stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage. The composition can be formulated as a solution, microemulsion, liposome, or other ordered structure suitable to high drug concentration. The carrier can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), and suitable mixtures thereof. The proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants. In many cases, it will be preferable to include isotonic agents, for example, sugars, polyalcohols such as mannitol, sorbitol, or sodium chloride in the composition. Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions can be brought about by including in the composition an agent which delays absorption, for example, monostearate salts and gelatin.

The compounds can be administered in a time release formulation, for example in a composition which includes a slow release polymer. The compounds can be prepared with carriers that will protect the compound against rapid release, such as a controlled release formulation, including implants and microencapsulated delivery systems. Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters, polylactic acid and polylactic, polyglycolic copolymers (PLG). Many methods for the preparation of such formulations are generally known to those skilled in the art.

Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the compound in the required amount in an appropriate solvent with one or a combination of ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilization. Generally, dispersions are prepared by incorporating the active compound into a sterile vehicle which contains a basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated above. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of sterile injectable solutions, the preferred methods of preparation are vacuum drying and freeze-drying which yields a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from a previously sterile-filtered solution thereof.

In accordance with an alternative aspect of the invention, a compound may be formulated with one or more additional compounds that enhance the solubility of the compound.

Methods

Methods for treating cognitive disorders and for enhancing learning are provided. Such methods include administering a pharmaceutically acceptable formulation of one or more of the disclosed compounds to a patient in need thereof. Also contemplated are methods of treating patients suffering from, memory deficits associated with aging, schizophrenia, special learning disorders, seizures, post-stroke convulsions, brain ischemia, hypoglycemia, cardiac arrest, epilepsy, migraine, as well as Huntington's, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

Other methods contemplated include the treatment of cerebral ischemia, stroke, brain trauma, brain tumors, acute neuropathic pain, chronic neuropathic pain, sleep disorders, drug addiction, depression, certain vision disorders, ethanol withdrawal, anxiety, memory and learning disabilities, autism, epilepsy, AIDS dementia, multiple system atrophy, progressive supra-nuclear palsy, Friedrich's ataxia, Down's syndrome, fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, olivio-ponto-cerebellar atrophy, cerebral palsy, drug-induced optic neuritis, peripheral neuropathy, myelopathy, ischemic retinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cardiac arrest, behavior disorders, impulse control disorders, Alzheimer's disease, memory loss that accompanies early stage Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit disorder, ADHD, schizophrenia, amelioration of opiate, nicotine addiction, ethanol addition, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, post-traumatic stress syndrome, and Huntington's chorea.

For example, provided herein is a method of treating depression in a patient need thereof, comprising administering a disclosed compound, e.g by acutely administering a disclosed compound. In certain embodiments, the treatment-resistant patient is identified as one who has been treated with at least two types of antidepressant treatments prior to administration of a disclosed compound. In other embodiments, the treatment-resistant patient is one who is identified as unwilling or unable to tolerate a side effect of at least one type of antidepressant treatment.

The most common depression conditions include Major Depressive Disorder and Dysthymic Disorder. Other depression conditions develop under unique circumstances. Such depression conditions include but are not limited to Psychotic depression, Postpartum depression, Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), mood disorder, depressions caused by chronic medical conditions such as cancer or chronic pain, chemotherapy, chronic stress, post traumatic stress disorders, and Bipolar disorder (or manic depressive disorder).

Refractory depression occurs in patients suffering from depression who are resistant to standard pharmacological treatments, including tricyclic antidepressants, MAOIs, SSRIs, and double and triple uptake inhibitors and/or anxiolytic drugs, as well non-pharmacological treatments such as psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, vagus nerve stimulation and/or transcranial magnetic stimulation. A treatment resistant-patient may be identified as one who fails to experience alleviation of one or more symptoms of depression (e.g., persistent anxious or sad feelings, feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism) despite undergoing one or more standard pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatment. In certain embodiments, a treatment-resistant patient is one who fails to experience alleviation of one or more symptoms of depression despite undergoing treatment with two different antidepressant drugs. In other embodiments, a treatment-resistant patient is one who fails to experience alleviation of one or more symptoms of depression despite undergoing treatment with four different antidepressant drugs. A treatment-resistant patient may also be identified as one who is unwilling or unable to tolerate the side effects of one or more standard pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatment.

In yet another aspect, a method for enhancing pain relief and for providing analgesia to an animal is provided.

In certain embodiments, methods for treating schizophrenia are provided. For example, paranoid type schizophrenia, disorganized type schizophrenia (i.e., hebephrenic schizophrenia), catatonic type schizophrenia, undifferentiated type schizophrenia, residual type schizophrenia, post-schizophrenic depression, and simple schizophrenia may be treated using the methods and compositions contemplated herein. Psychotic disorders such as schizoaffective disorders, delusional disorders, brief psychotic disorders, shared psychotic disorders, and psychotic disorders with delusions or hallucinations may also be treated using the compositions contemplated herein.

Paranoid schizophrenia may be characterized where delusions or auditory hallucinations are present, but thought disorder, disorganized behavior, or affective flattening are not. Delusions may be persecutory and/or grandiose, but in addition to these, other themes such as jealousy, religiosity, or somatization may also be present.

Disorganized type schizophrenia may be characterized where thought disorder and flat affect are present together.

Catatonic type schizophrenia may be characterized where the subject may be almost immobile or exhibit agitated, purposeless movement. Symptoms can include catatonic stupor and waxy flexibility.

Undifferentiated type schizophrenia may be characterized where psychotic symptoms are present but the criteria for paranoid, disorganized, or catatonic types have not been met.

Residual type schizophrenia may be characterized where positive symptoms are present at a low intensity only.

Post-schizophrenic depression may be characterized where a depressive episode arises in the aftermath of a schizophrenic illness where some low-level schizophrenic symptoms may still be present.

Simple schizophrenia may be characterized by insidious and progressive development of prominent negative symptoms with no history of psychotic episodes.

In some embodiments, methods are provided for treating psychotic symptoms that may be present in other mental disorders, including, but not limited to, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, drug intoxication, and drug-induced psychosis.

In another embodiment, methods for treating delusions (e.g., “non-bizarre”) that may be present in, for example, delusional disorder are provided.

Also provided are methods for treating social withdrawal in conditions including, but not limited to, social anxiety disorder, avoidant personality disorder, and schizotypal personality disorder.

Additionally, methods are provided for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

EXAMPLES

The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

General Methods

All solvents used were of laboratory grade solvents. Tetrahydrofuran was predistilled over KOH and then distilled over Na/benzophenone under argon. Dichloromethane was distilled over CaH2. Diisopropyl amine was distilled over KOH.

Column chromatography was conducted on silica gel 100-200 mesh. For TLC purpose commercially available aluminum backed plates coated with silica gel 60 F254 from Merck, Darmstadt, West Germany were used.

NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian-Unity Inova 500 MHz, and Bruker Avance III 400 MHz instruments. All NMR spectra were determined in deuterated DMSO and chemical shifts are reported as δ values in ppm with tetramethylsilane was an internal standard (δ=0). Coupling constants (J) are given in Hertz. Signals in the 1H NMR spectra are characterized as s (singlet), d (doublet), t (triplet), m (multiplet), and br s (broad singlet).

Chemical purities were determined by UPLC on Waters Aquity system by using either aq.TFA/aq.MeCN or aq.NH4OAc/aq.MeCN with a PDA detector. Mass were determined on Schimadzu 2010 EV LCMS system by using either aq.TFA/aq.MeCN or aq.NH4OAc/aq.MeCN with a PDA detector. Chiral purities were determined by using Chiralpak (IA) column (250×4.6 mm, Sum) on a Agilent-1200 series using n-hexane: ethanol as mobile phase with PDA detector.

Optical rotation were determined in chloroform and water in a 2-mL cell with 50 mm path length on a JASCO P-2000 polarimeter.

Example 1 Synthesis of (S)—N-((2S,3R)-1-amino-3-hydroxy-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-((S)-1-((S)-2-amino-3-hydroxypropanoyl)pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (Compound A)

The following reaction sequence was used (Scheme A) to synthesize (S)—N-((2S,3R)-1-amino-3-hydroxy-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-((S)-1-((S)-2-amino-3-hydroxypropanoyl)pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide

Synthesis of (S)-tert-butyl 1-((S)-3-acetoxy-2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)-propanoyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylate (2)

(S)-3-Acetoxy-2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)-propanoic acid (1.5 g, 5.33 mmol) was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (15 mL). N-Methylmorpholine (NMM) (0.64 mL, 5.87 mmol) and isobutyl chloroformate (IBCF) (0.72 mL, 6.12 mmol) were added at −15° C. and stirred for 30 minutes under inert atmosphere. A mixture of (S)-tert-butyl pyrrolidine-2-carboxylate (1) (998 mg, 5.87 mmol) and NMM (0.64 mL, 5.87 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) were added drop wise to the reaction mixture and stirring was continued for another 3 h at RT. The reaction mixture was diluted with DCM (200 mL), washed with water (50 mL), citric acid solution (10 mL) and brine (10 mL). The separated organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained crude residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 30% EtOAc/Hexane to afford compound 2 (1.6 g, 69.5%).

¹H-NMR: (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.81-7.76 (d, J=20.5 Hz, 1H), 7.35-7.30 (m, 5H), 5.03-4.97 (m, 2H), 4.61-4.55 (m, 1H), 4.32-4.16 (m, 2H), 4.08-3.87 (m, 2H), 3.65-3.59 (m, 1H), 2.21-2.11 (m, 2H), 1.98 (s, 3H), 1.91-1.75 (m, 2H), 1.37 (s, 9H).

Mass m/z: 435.0 [M⁺+1].

Synthesis of (S)-1-((S)-3-acetoxy-2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)-propanoyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (3)

To a solution of compound 2 (1 g, 2.30 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL) was added 20% TFA-DCM (10 mL) and stirred at RT for 2 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with water (10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×15 mL). The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to yield compound 3 (800 mg, 92%).

¹H-NMR: (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 12.58 (br s, 1H), 7.81-7.77 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.35-7.27 (m, 5H), 5.04-4.96 (m, 2H), 4.66-4.60 (m, 1H), 4.32-4.24 (m, 2H), 4.04-3.86 (m, 1H), 3.66-3.59 (t, J=12.6 Hz, 2H), 2.17-2.07 (m, 3H), 1.98-1.80 (m, 4H).

Mass m/z: 379.0 [M⁺+1].

Synthesis of (2S,3R)-methyl 2-((S)-1-((S)-1-((R)-3-acetoxy-2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)-propanoyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamido)-3-hydroxybutanoate (5)

Compound 3 (1.0 g, 2.64 mmol) was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL), NMM (0.32 g, 3.17 mmol) and IBCF (0.41 g, 3.04 mmol) were added to the reaction mixture at −15° C. and stirred for 30 minutes under inert atmosphere. A mixture of (2S,3R)-methyl 3-hydroxy-2-((S)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamido)-butanoate (4) (0.73 g, 3.17 mmol) and NMM (0.35 mL) in DMF (3 mL) were added drop wise to the reaction mixture at −15° C. and stirring was continued for another 3 h at RT. The reaction mixture was diluted with DCM (200 mL), washed with water (20 mL), citric acid solution (2×20 mL) and brine (2×50 mL). The separated organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude residue obtained was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 5% CH₃OH/EtOAc to afford compound (5) (0.29 g, 19%).

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.83-7.81 (m, 1H), 7.72-7.70 (m, 1H), 7.36-7.35 (m, 5H), 5.07-5.01 (m, 2H), 4.99-4.93 (m, 1H), 4.58 (s, 1H), 4.50-4.48 (m, 1H), 4.26-4.22 (m, 2H), 4.07-4.00 (m, 2H), 3.89-3.86 (m, 1H), 3.61-3.55 (m, 5H), 3.53 (s, 1H), 3.39 (s, 1H), 2.12 (s, 1H), 1.98 (s, 3H), 1.94-1.83 (m, 4H), 1.81-1.80 (m, 3H), 1.05 (d, J=6.5 Hz, 3H).

Mass m/z: 591.0 [M⁺ 1].

Synthesis of benzyl-(R)-1-((S)-2-((S)-2-((2S,3R)-1-(aminooxy)-3-hydroxy-1-oxobutan-2-ylcarbamoyl)-pyrrolidine-1-carbonyl)-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-3-hydroxy-1-oxopropan-2-ylcarbamate (6)

A solution of methanolic ammonia (3 mL) was added to compound 5 (0.28 g, 0.47 mmol) and stirred at RT for 18 h. The volatiles were evaporated under reduced pressure to afford compound 6 (0.21 g, 82.3%).

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.38-7.31 (m, 5H), 7.26 (s, 1H), 7.10-7.03 (m, 2H), 6.65 (br s, 1H), 5.04-5.01 (m, 2H), 4.98-4.84 (m, 1H), 4.76-4.75 (m, 1H), 4.61 (s, 1H), 4.38-4.31 (m, 2H), 4.02-4.00 (m, 2H), 3.77-3.74 (m, 1H), 3.67-3.56 (m, 3H), 3.44-3.37 (m, 2H), 2.14-1.86 (m, 8H), 1.01-1.00 (m, 3H).

Mass m/z: 550 [M⁺+1].

Synthesis of (S)—N-((2S,3R)-1-amino-3-hydroxy-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-((S)-1-((S)-2-amino-3-hydroxypropanoyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (Compound A)

To a solution of compound 6 (0.21 g, 0.39 mmol) in methanol (5 mL) was added 10% Pd/C (30 mg) and the reaction mixture was stirred under hydrogen atmosphere for 2 h. The reaction mixture was filtered over celite, solvent was evaporated in vacuo, and the crude residue obtained was triturated with diethyl ether to yield A (130 mg, 83.3%).

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) (Rotamers): δ 7.39 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.08-7.03 (m, 2H), 6.65 (br s, 1H), 4.89-4.85 (m, 1H), 1.61-1.59 (m, 1H), 4.39-4.38 (m, 1H), 4.02-4.00 (m, 2H), 3.68-3.52 (m, 4H), 3.43-3.36 (m, 2H), 3.22-3.10 (m, 2H), 2.19-2.13 (m, 1H), 2.07-1.98 (m, 1H), 1.93-1.81 (m, 5H), 1.75 (s, 2H), 1.01-1.00 (m, 3H).

LCMS m/z: 400.2 [M⁺+1].

HPLC Purity: 99.27%.

Synthesis of (S)-1-(benzyloxycarbonyl) pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (8)

To a stirred solution of (S)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (7) (2.0 g, 17.39 mmol) in THF: H₂O (20 mL, 1:1) were added Na₂CO₃ (2.76 g, 26.08 mmol) and Cbz-Cl (3.54 g, 20.80 mmol) and stirred at RT for 18 h. The reaction mixture was washed with EtOAc (10 mL) and the aqueous layer was acidified with 3N HCl and extracted with EtOAc (2×20 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to yield compound 8 (3.0 g, 69.7%).

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 12.62 (br s, 1H), 7.36-7.22 (m, 5H), 5.12-5.00 (m, 2H), 4.24-4.15 (dd, J=5.0, 36.0 Hz, 1H), 3.46-3.31 (m, 2H), 2.25-2.15 (m, 1H), 1.94-1.79 (m, 3H).

Mass m/z: 250.0 [M⁺+1].

Synthesis of (S)-benzyl 2-((2S, 3R)-3-hydroxy-1-methoxy-1-oxobutan-2-ylcarbamoyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (9)

Compound 8 (5.0 g, 20.08 mmol) was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL), NMM (2.43 mL, 22.08 mmol) and IBCF (2.74 mL, 23.09 mmol) were added and stirred at −15° C. for 30 minutes under inert atmosphere. A mixture of (2S,3R)-methyl 2-amino-3-hydroxybutanoate (2.93 g, 22.08 mmol) and NMM (2.43 mL, 22.08 mmol) in DMF (15 mL) were added drop wise at −15° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 3 h. It was diluted with DCM (200 mL) and the organic layer was washed with water (50 mL), brine (50 mL), dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained crude was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 30% EtOAc/Hexane to afford compound 9 (3.1 g, 42%).

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆)(Rotamers): δ 7.98-7.94 (m, 1H), 7.35-7.27 (m, 5H), 5.09-4.94 (m, 3H), 4.44 (dd, J=5.5, 8.5 Hz, 1H), 4.29-4.27 (m, 1H), 4.12 (s, 1H), 3.62 (s, 3H), 3.44-3.30 (m, 2H), 2.20-2.08 (m, 1H), 1.87-1.78 (m, 3H), 1.08-0.94 (2d, 3H).

Mass m/z: 365.0 [M⁺+1].

Example 2 Synthesis of (S)—N—((S)-1-amino-3-hydroxy-1-oxopropan-2-yl)-1-((S)-1-((2S,3R)-2-amino-3-hydroxybutanoyl) pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl) pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (Compound B)

The following reaction sequence was used (Scheme B) to synthesize (S)—N—((S)-1-amino-3-hydroxy-1-oxopropan-2-yl)-1-((S)-1-((2S,3R)-2-amino-3-hydroxybutanoyl) pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl) pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide:

Synthesis of (S)-1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (2)

To an ice cold stirred solution of (S)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (1) (3.0 g, 26.08 mmol) in THF:H₂O (60 mL, 1:1) were added Na₂CO₃ (5.52 g, 52.16 mmol), Boc₂O (6.25 g, 26.69 mmol) and stirred at RT for 16 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and washed with EtOAc (50 mL). The aqueous layer was acidified with 2N HCl and extracted with EtOAc (2×100 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to yield the (S)-1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (2) (4.8 g, 86%).

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 12.49 (br s, 1H), 4.08-4.03 (m, 1H), 3.36-3.24 (m, 2H), 2.22-2.11 (m, 1H), 1.87-1.76 (m, 3H), 1.39 (s, 9H).

Mass m/z: 216.0 [M⁺+1].

Synthesis of (S)-tert-butyl 2-((S)-3-hydroxy-1-methoxy-1-oxopropan-2-ylcarbamoyl)-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (3)

Compound 2 (2.0 g, 9.00 mmol) was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL) cooled to −15° C., NMM (1.12 mL, 10.2 mmol) and IBCF (1.26 mL, 1.15 mmol) were added and stirred at 0° C. for 20 minutes. A mixture of (S)-methyl 2-amino-3-hydroxypropanoate (1.59 g, 10.2 mmol) and NMM (1.12 mL) in DMF (3 mL) were added drop wise at −15° C. and the resultant reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 1 h. It was diluted with DCM (200 mL), water (50 mL) and washed with 2N HCl (20 mL) and brine (2×50 mL). The separated organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude residue obtained was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 20% EtOAc/Hexane to afford compound 3 (2.3 g) as a syrup.

Mass m/z: 317.0 [M⁺+1].

Synthesis of (S)-methyl 3-hydroxy-2-((S)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamido) propionate (4)

(S)-Tert-butyl-2-((S)-3-hydroxy-1-methoxy-1-oxopropan-2-ylcarbamoyl)-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (3) (500 mg, 1.58 mmol) was dissolved in 1,4-dioxane (3 mL) and a HCl solution in dioxane (3.16 mL, 3.16 mmol) was added stirred at RT for 4 h. The volatiles were evaporated under reduced pressure to afford compound 4 (280 mg) as solid.

¹H-NMR: (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 9.99 (br s, 1H), 9.12-9.08 (m, 1H), 8.53 (br s, 1H), 5.48 (br s, 2H), 4.43-4.22 (m, 2H), 3.82-3.67 (m, 4H), 3.56 (s, 3H), 2.36-2.27 (m, 1H), 1.93-1.86 (m, 3H).

Mass m/z: 217.0 [M⁺+1].

Synthesis of (S)-methyl 2-((S)-1-((S)-1-((2R, 3S)-3-acetoxy-2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)-butanoyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamido)-3-hydroxypropanoate (6)

(2S)-1-((2R)-3-acetoxy-2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)-butanoyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (5) (1.3 g, 2.62 mmol) was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (15 mL), NMM (0.43 mL) and IBCF (0.51 mL) was added at −10° C. and stirred for 30 minutes under inert atmosphere. A mixture of (S)-methyl-3-hydroxy-2-((S)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamido)-propionate (4) (992 mg, 3.93 mmol) and NMM (0.43 mL) in DMF (5 mL) were added drop wise to the reaction mixture and stirring was continued for another 3 h at RT. The reaction mixture was diluted with DCM (200 mL), washed with water (20 mL), citric acid solution (2×20 mL) and brine (2×50 mL). The separated organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained crude material was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 5% CH₃OH/CH₂Cl₂ to afford compound 6 (270 mg, 17.5%).

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 8.13 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.74 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.38-7.31 (m, 5H), 5.08-4.96 (m, 3H), 4.85-4.82 (m, 1H), 4.56 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.44-4.42 (m, 2H), 4.27 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 1H), 4.10 (d, J=10.5 Hz, 2H), 3.81-3.78 (m, 1H), 3.72-3.70 (m, 1H), 3.61-3.59 (m, 3H), 3.54-3.50 (m, 2H), 2.16-2.14 (m, 1H), 2.05-2.01 (m, 1H), 1.90 (s, 3H), 1.87-1.86 (m, 3H), 1.85-1.84 (m, 3H), 1.21-1.20 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 3H).

Mass m/z: 591.0 [M⁺+1].

Synthesis of Benzyl-(2R,3S)-1-((S)-2-((S)-2-((S)-1-(aminooxy)-3-hydroxy-1-oxopropan-2-ylcarbamoyl) pyrrolidine-1-carbonyl)pyrrolidin-1-yl)-3-hydroxy-1-oxobutan-2-ylcarbamate (7)

To a solution of compound 6 (250 g, 0.42 mmol) in CH₃OH (2 mL) was added MeOH—NH₃ (10 mL) and was stirred at RT for 16 h. The volatiles were evaporated under reduced pressure to afford compound 7 (190 mg, 84%).

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.60 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.35-7.30 (m, 5H), 7.18 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 1H), 7.11-7.06 (m, 2H), 5.05-4.97 (m, 2H), 4.82-4.81 (m, 1H), 4.60-4.59 (m, 2H), 4.33-4.31 (m, 1H), 4.15-4.08 (m, 2H), 3.81-3.79 (m, 1H), 3.72-3.64 (m, 2H), 3.59-3.53 (m, 4H), 2.14 (s, 1H), 2.03 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 1.95-1.85 (m, 5H), 1.75 (s, 1H), 1.10 (d, J=6.5 Hz, 3H).

Mass m/z: 550.0 [M⁺+1].

Synthesis of (S)—N—((S)-1-amino-3-hydroxy-1-oxopropan-2-yl)-1-((S)-1-((2S,3R)-2-amino-3-hydroxybutanoyl) pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (B)

To a solution of compound 7 (190 mg, 0.35 mmol) in methanol (5 mL) was added 10% Pd/C (50 mg) and the reaction mixture was stirred under hydrogen atmosphere for 2 h. The reaction mixture was filtered through a celite pad, solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the crude was purified by column chromatography on basic alumina using 0-5% CH₃OH in CH₂Cl₂ as eluent to yield compound B (130 mg, 73%).

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.65-7.60 (m, 1H), 7.12-7.03 (m, 2H), 4.81 (br s, 1H), 4.58-4.57 (m, 1H), 4.49 (m, 1H), 4.38-4.19 (m, 1H), 4.10-4.06 (m, 1H), 3.69-3.62 (m, 2H), 3.59-3.56 (m, 4H), 3.49-3.45 (m, 2H), 3.37-3.26 (m, 2H), 2.19-2.15 (m, 1H), 2.09-1.99 (m, 1H), 1.95-1.84 (m, 5H), 1.75 (s, 1H), 1.06 (d, J=13.0 Hz, 3H).

LCMS m/z: 400.8 [M⁺+1].

HPLC Purity: 97.71%.

Example 3 Synthesis of (S)—N—((S)-1-amino-3-hydroxy-1-oxopropan-2-yl)-1-((S)-1-((S)-2-amino-3-hydroxy-propanoyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (Compound C)

The following reaction sequence was used (Scheme C) to synthesize (S)—N—((S)-1-amino-3-hydroxy-1-oxopropan-2-yl)-1-((S)-1-((S)-2-amino-3-hydroxy-propanoyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide

Synthesis of (S)-1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (2)

To a stirred solution of (S)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (3.0 g, 26.08 mmol) in THF:H₂O (60 mL, 1:1) at 0° C. were added Na₂CO₃ (5.52 g, 52.16 mmol) and Boc₂O (6.25 g, 26.69 mmol) and stirred at RT for 16 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and washed with EtOAc (50 mL). The aqueous layer was acidified with 2N HCl and extracted with EtOAc (2×50 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to yield the (S)-1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid 2 (4.8 g, 85.7%).

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 12.49 (br s, 1H), 4.08-4.03 (m, 1H), 3.36-3.24 (m, 2H), 2.22-2.11 (m, 1H), 1.87-1.76 (m, 3H), 1.39 (s, 9H).

Mass m/z: 216.0 [M⁺+1].

Synthesis of (S)-tert-butyl 2-((S)-3-hydroxy-1-methoxy-1-oxopropan-2-ylcarbamoyl) pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (3)

Compound 2 (2.0 g, 9.00 mmol) was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL) cooled to −15° C., NMM (1.12 mL, 10.2 mmol) and IBCF (1.26 mL, 1.15 mmol) were added and stirred at 0° C. for 20 minutes. A mixture of (S)-methyl-2-amino-3-hydroxypropanoate (1.59 g, 10.2 mmol) and NMM (1.12 mL) in DMF (3 mL) were added drop wise at −15° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 1 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with DCM (200 mL) and water (25 mL) and was washed with 2N HCl (20 mL) and brine (10 mL). The separated organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained crude material was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 20% EtOAc/Hexane to afford compound 3 (2.3 g) as solid.

Mass m/z: 317.0 [M⁺+1].

Synthesis of (S)-methyl 3-hydroxy-2-((S)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamido) propanoate (4)

To a solution of (S)-tert-butyl-2-((S)-3-hydroxy-1-methoxy-1-oxopropan-2-ylcarbamoyl) pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate 3 (500 mg, 1.58 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (3 mL) was added a solution of HCl in dioxane (3.16 mL, 3.16 mmol) and stirred at RT for 4 h. The volatiles were evaporated under reduced pressure to afford compound 4 (280 mg) as solid.

¹H-NMR: (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 9.99 (br s, 1H), 9.12-9.08 (m, 1H), 8.53 (br s, 1H), 5.48 (br s, 2H), 4.43-4.22 (m, 2H), 3.82-3.67 (m, 4H), 3.56 (s, 3H), 2.36-2.27 (m, 1H), 1.93-1.86 (m, 3H).

Mass m/z: 217.0 [M⁺+1].

Synthesis of (S)-methyl 2-((S)-1-((S)-1-((S)-2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)-3-hydroxypropanoyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamido)-3-hydroxypropanoate (6)

(S)-1-((S)-3-Acetoxy-2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)-propanoyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (5) (400 mg, 1.05 mmol) was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (2 mL), NMM (0.13 mL) and IBCF (0.14 mL) were added at −15° C. and stirred for 30 minutes under inert atmosphere. A mixture of (S)-methyl-3-hydroxy-2-((S)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamido)-propanoate hydrochloride (4) (293 mg, 1.16 mmol) and NMM (0.13 mL) in DMF (2 mL) were added drop wise to the reaction mixture and stirring was continued for another 3 h at RT. The reaction mixture was diluted with DCM (200 mL), washed with water (20 mL) and brine (10 mL). The separated organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained crude material was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 5% CH₃OH/CH₂Cl₂ to afford compound 6 (80 mg, 13%).

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 8.09 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.36-7.31 (m, 6H), 5.07-4.99 (m, 3H), 4.59-4.58 (m, 2H), 4.41-4.40 (m, 1H), 4.29-4.24 (m, 3H), 3.86 (t, J=9.5 Hz, 1H), 3.72-3.68 (m, 1H), 3.64-3.57 (m, 3H), 3.40-3.38 (m, 3H), 2.14-2.01 (m, 2H), 1.98 (s, 3H), 1.90-1.80 (m, 6H).

Mass m/z: 535.0 [M⁺+1].

Synthesis of Benzyl-(S)-1-((S)-2-((S)-2-((S)-1-amino-3-hydroxy-1-oxopropan-2-ylcarbamoyl) pyrrolidine-1-carbonyl) pyrrolidin-1-yl)-3-hydroxy-1-oxopropan-2-ylcarbamate (7)

To a solution of (S)-methyl-2-((S)-1-((S)-1-((S)-2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)-3-hydroxypropanoyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamido)-3-hydroxypropanoate (6) (60 mg, 1.04 mmol) in MeOH was added MeOH—NH₃ (3 mL) was stirred at RT for 16 h. The volatiles were evaporated under reduced pressure to afford compound 7 (30 mg, 55%).

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.60 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.36-7.31 (m, 6H), 7.11-7.06 (m, 2H), 5.04-4.98 (m, 2H), 4.82-4.74 (m, 2H), 4.61-4.59 (m, 1H), 4.36-4.30 (m, 2H), 4.10-4.07 (m, 1H), 3.67-3.65 (m, 2H), 3.59-3.55 (m, 6H), 3.44-3.40 (m, 2H), 1.95-1.92 (m, 6H).

Mass m/z: 520.0 [M⁺+1].

Synthesis of (S)—N—((S)-1-amino-3-hydroxy-1-oxopropan-2-yl)-1-((S)-1-((S)-2-amino-3-hydroxy-propanoyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (C)

Benzyl-(S)-1-((S)-2-((S)-2-((S)-1-amino-3-hydroxy-1-oxopropan-2-ylcarbamoyl) pyrrolidine-1-carbonyl) pyrrolidin-1-yl)-3-hydroxy-1-oxopropan-2-ylcarbamate 7 (300 mg, 0.57 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (8 mL), 10% Pd/C (50 mg) was added and reaction mixture was stirred under hydrogen atmosphere for 2 h. The reaction mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to yield compound C (150 mg, 68%).

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) (Rotamers): δ 7.62 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.24 (br s, 1H), 7.14-7.07 (m, 2H), 4.87-4.82 (m, 2H), 4.59-4.57 (m, 1H), 4.37-4.31 (m, 2H), 4.11-4.07 (m, 2H), 3.70-3.39 (m, 8H), 2.17-2.01 (m, 2H), 1.95-1.79 (m, 6H).

LCMS m/z: 386.4 [M⁺+1].

HPLC Purity: 98.45%.

Example 4 Synthesis of N-((2S,3R)-1-amino-3-hydroxy-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-((S)-1-((2S,3R)-2-amino-3-hydroxybutanoyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-2-benzylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (Compound D & E)

The following reaction sequence was used (Scheme D) to synthesize N-((2S,3R)-1-amino-3-hydroxy-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-((S)-1-((2S,3R)-2-amino-3-hydroxybutanoyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-2-benzsaylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (Compound D & E):

Synthesis of 1-Benzyl 2-ethyl 2-benzylpyrrolidine-1,2-dicarboxylate (2)

To a solution of (S)-1-benzyl-2-ethyl-pyrrolidine-1, 2-dicarboxylate (1) (10 g, 36.10 mmol) in THF (150 mL) under inert atmosphere was added LiHMDS (1M in THF) (43.3 mL, 43.3 mmol) at −25° C. and stirred for 2 h. Benzyl bromide (5.17 mL, 43.26 mmol) was added drop wise at −25° C. to the reaction mixture. It was allowed to warm to RT and stirred for 2 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to 5° C., quenched with saturated NH₄Cl solution and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (2×200 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude residue obtained was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 5% EtOAc/hexane to afford compound 2 (13 g, 75%) as liquid.

¹H-NMR: (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.47-7.32 (m, 5H), 7.27-7.16 (m, 3H), 7.07-7.04 (m, 2H), 5.29-5.06 (m, 2H), 4.16-3.89 (m, 2H), 3.57-3.33 (m, 2H), 3.02-2.78 (m, 2H), 2.13-1.89 (m, 2H), 1.56-1.51 (m, 1H), 1.21-1.04 (m, 3H), 0.93-0.79 (m, 1H).

Mass m/z: 368.2 [M⁺+1].

Synthesis of 2-benzyl-1-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (3)

To a stirred solution of compound 2 (8.0 g, 21.79 mmol) in CH₃OH (20 mL) was added 2N aqueous KOH (20 mL) and heated up to 100° C. and stirred for 16 h. The volatiles were evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue obtained was diluted with ice cold water (50 mL) and washed with ether (50 mL). The aqueous layer was acidified to pH-2 using HCl solution and extracted with EtOAc (2×100 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford compound 3 (6 g, 81%) as an off white solid.

¹H-NMR: (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 12.71 (br s, 1H), 7.40-7.30 (m, 5H), 7.25-7.19 (m, 3H), 7.07-7.00 (m, 2H), 5.27-5.02 (m, 2H), 3.59-3.32 (m, 2H), 3.02-2.83 (m, 2H), 2.13-1.91 (m, 2H), 1.58-1.49 (m, 1H), 0.90-0.77 (m, 1H).

Mass m/z: 340.1 [M⁺+1].

Synthesis of Benzyl-2-benzyl-2-((2S,3R)-3-hydroxy-1-methoxy-1-oxobutan-2-ylcarbamoyl)-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (4)

To a suspension of compound 3 (1.0 g, 2.94 mmol), L-threonine methyl ester (471 mg, 3.53 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) was added HATU (1.12 g, 2.94 mmol) and DIPEA (1.58 mL, 8.84 mmol) at 5° C. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 16 h. It was diluted with EtOAc (150 mL) and washed with water (2×30 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, concentrated and purified by silica gel column chromatography 50% EtOAc/Hexane as eluent to yield compound 4 (1.0 g, 74%).

¹H-NMR: (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.62-7.59 (m, 1H), 7.44-7.31 (m, 5H), 7.21-7.18 (m, 3H), 7.06-6.99 (m, 2H), 5.25-5.24 (m, 1H), 5.12-4.94 (m, 2H), 4.30 (s, 1H), 4.15-4.08 (m, 1H), 3.66-3.64 (m, 3H), 3.63-3.49 (m, 2H), 3.14 (s, 1H), 2.89 (s, 1H), 2.09-2.02 (m, 2H), 1.56-1.51 (m, 1H), 1.09-0.98 (m, 4H).

Mass m/z: 455.1 [M⁺ 1], 477.3 [M+Na].

Synthesis of Benzyl-2-((2S,3R)-3-acetoxy-1-methoxy-1-oxobutan-2-ylcarbamoyl)-2-benzylpyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (5)

Compound 4 (3 g, 6.60 mmol) was dissolved in THF (30 mL), Et₃N (1.11 mL, 7.92 mmol) and Ac₂O (742 mg, 7.26 mmol) were added at RT. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 2 h. The volatiles were evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue obtained was diluted with CH₂Cl₂ and washed with dilute HCl. The combined organic extracts were dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude residue was purified by column chromatography using 30% EtOAc/Hexane as eluent to yield compound 5 (2.5 g, 76%).

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) (Rotamers): δ 8.15-7.71 (m, 1H), 7.42-7.04 (m, 10H), 5.30-5.19 (m, 2H), 5.11-5.09 (m, 1H), 4.99-4.93 (m, 1H), 4.67-4.62 (m, 1H), 3.66-3.64 (m, 3H), 3.55-3.46 (m, 2H), 3.38-3.35 (m, 1H), 2.88-2.69 (m, 1H), 2.17-2.00 (m, 2H), 1.98-1.92 (m, 3H), 1.56-1.46 (m, 1H), 1.23-1.17 (m, 3H), 1.02-0.86 (m, 1H).

LCMS m/z: 497.4 [M⁺+1].

Synthesis of (2S,3R)-methyl 3-acetoxy-2-(2-benzylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamido)-butanoate (6)

To a stirring solution of compound 5 (4 g, 8.06 mmol) in ethanol (50 mL) was added 10% Pd/C (1.2 g) and the reaction mixture was stirred under H₂ atmosphere (balloon pressure) for 4 h. It was filtered through celite pad and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to yield compound 6 (2.2 g, 75%).

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) (Rotamers): δ 8.22-8.17 (m, 1H), 7.24-7.16 (m, 5H), 5.17 (t, J=11.5 Hz, 1H), 4.48-4.42 (m, 1H), 3.60-3.54 (s, 3H), 3.20 (t, J=13.5 Hz, 1H), 3.06-2.97 (m, 1H), 2.82-2.68 (m, 3H), 2.08-2.02 (m, 1H), 1.89 (s, 3H), 1.72-1.51 (m, 3H), 1.10 (2d, 3H).

LCMS m/z: 363 [M⁺+1], 385 [M+Na].

Synthesis of (S)-benzyl 2-(2-((2S,3R)-3-acetoxy-1-methoxy-1-oxobutan-2-ylcarbamoyl)-2-benzylpyrrolidine-1-carbonyl) pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (7)

To a stirred solution of compound 6 (1 g, 2.76 mmol) and Na₂CO₃ (732 mg, 6.90 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂:H₂O (20 mL, 1:1) was added a solution of acid chloride [To a solution of (S)-1-(benzyloxycarbonyl) pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (825 mg, 3.31 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (20 mL) was added SOCl₂ (0.60 mL) drop wise at 0° C. and was refluxed for 2 h. The volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to yield (S)-benzyl 2-(chlorocarbonyl) pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate] in CH₂Cl₂ and the reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 2 h. The volatiles were evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was diluted with CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL), filtered and the filtrate was concentrated under vacuum. The crude residue was purified by column chromatography using 60% EtOAc/Hexane as eluent to afford compound 7 (750 mg, 45%).

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) (Rotamers): δ 7.36-7.23 (m, 8H), 7.15-7.12 (m, 3H), 5.21-5.15 (m, 2H), 5.04-4.92 (m, 1H), 4.57-4.50 (m, 2H), 3.88 (d, J=14.5 Hz, 1H), 3.65 (s, 3H), 3.54-3.46 (m, 3H), 3.21-3.13 (m, 1H), 3.02-2.90 (m, 2H), 2.19-2.02 (m, 4H), 1.97 (s, 3H), 1.89 (s, 1H), 1.77-1.65 (m, 1H), 1.17 (s, 2H), 1.06 (s, 2H).

Mass m/z: 594.1 [M⁺+1].

Synthesis of (2S,3R)-methyl 3-acetoxy-2-(2-benzyl-1-((S)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamido) butanoate (8)

To a solution of compound 7 (200 mg, 0.336 mmol) in EtOAc (15 mL) was added 10% Pd/C (40 mg) was added under inert atmosphere and stirred for 12 h under H₂ atmosphere (balloon pressure). The reaction mixture was filtered through celite pad and concentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained residue was triturated with ether (10 mL) to afford compound 8 (125 mg, 81%) as solid.

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, CDCl₃) (Rotamers): δ 7.88-7.87 (d, 1H, J=8.5), 7.30-7.26 (m, 2H), 7.24-7.21 (m, 1H), 7.13-7.12 (d, 2H, J=7), 5.44-5.43 (m, 1H), 4.76-4.74 (m, 1H), 3.94-3.92 (m, 1H), 3.84-3.81 (m, 1H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.50 (m, 1H), 3.26-3.12 (m, 3H), 2.90-2.88 (m, 1H), 2.23-2.15 (m, 4H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 1.87-1.77 (m, 5H), 1.27-1.24 (m, 3H).

Mass m/z: 460 (M+1).

Synthesis of Benzyl-2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-3-hydroxybutanoate (10)

To a solution of 2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-3-hydroxybutanoic acid (3.0 g, 13.69 mmol) in DMF (50 mL) was added K₂CO₃ (3.73 g, 27.39 mmol) and stirred at RT for 15 min. (Bromomethyl)benzene (2.81 g, 16.43 mmol) was added and stirred at RT for 6 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with water (50 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×50 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with brine (50 mL), dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude material was purified by silica gel column chromatography using 20% EtOAc/hexane as eluent to afford benzyl 2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-3-hydroxybutanoate 10 (2.8 g, 66%).

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.37-7.30 (m, 5H), 6.60 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 5.18-5.08 (m, 2H), 4.76 (d, J=7 Hz, 1H), 4.08-4.00 (m, 2H), 1.38 (s, 9H), 1.09 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 3H).

Mass m/z: 310.0 [M⁺ 1], 210 [M⁺-De Boc].

Synthesis of benzyl-3-acetoxy-2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-butanoate (11)

To a stirred solution of benzyl-2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-3-hydroxybutanoate (2.8 g, 9.06 mmol) in THF (80 mL) was added Ac₂O (1.1 g, 10.87 mmol), Et₃N (1.51 mL, 10.87 mmol) and DMAP (280 mg) and stirred at RT for 15 min. The volatiles were removed under reduced pressure. The residue obtained was diluted with EtOAc (150 mL) and washed with cold 0.5N HCl solution (2×20 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 3-acetoxy-2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-butanoate 11 (2.8 g, 88%).

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.35-7.34 (m, 5H), 7.27-7.25 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 5.18-5.06 (m, 3H), 4.34-4.32 (m, 1H), 1.90 (s, 3H), 1.39 (s, 9H), 1.16 (d, J=3 Hz, 3H).

Mass m/z: 252 [M⁺+1-De Boc].

Synthesis of (2S,3R)-3-acetoxy-2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-butanoic acid (12)

Benzyl-3-acetoxy-2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino) butanoate 11 (1.4 g, 3.98 mmol) was dissolved in EtOAc (40 mL), 10% Pd/C (600 mg) was added and reaction mixture was stirred under hydrogen atmosphere for 16 h. The reaction mixture was filtered over celite, solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the crude residue was triturated with hexane to yield (2S,3R)-3-acetoxy-2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino) butanoic acid 12 (0.7 g, 70%).

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 12.78 (br s, 1H), 6.94 (d, J=9.5 Hz, 1H), 5.16-5.14 (m, 1H), 4.17-4.15 (m, 1H), 1.95 (s, 3H), 1.39 (s, 9H), 1.10 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 3H).

Mass m/z: 260.0 [M−1].

Synthesis of (2S,3R)-methyl-3-acetoxy-2-(1-((S)-1-((2S,3R)-3-acetoxy-2-(tert-butoxycarbonyl-amino)-butanoyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-2-benzylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamido)-butanoate (13)

To a solution of compound (2S, 3R)-3-acetoxy-2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-butanoic acid 12 (199 mg, 0.76 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (6 mL) was under inert atmosphere were added IBCF (125 mg, 0.91 mmol) and NMM (154 mg, 1.52 mmol) at −15° C. and stirred for 1 h. A solution of (2S,3R)-methyl 3-acetoxy-2-(2-benzyl-1-((S)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl) pyrrolidine-2-carboxamido)-butanoate 8 (350 mg, 0.76 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was added to the reaction mixture and stirred for 1 h at −15° C. The resultant reaction mixture was allowed to warm to RT and stirred for 19 h. The reaction mixture was extracted with EtOAc and the separated organic layer was washed with water (20 mL), followed by brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude material was purified by preparative HPLC to afford compound 13 (100 mg, 20%).

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, CD₃OD) (Rotamers): δ 7.30-7.24 (m, 3H), 7.15-7.13 (m, 2H), 4.62-4.55 (m, 2H), 4.29-3.97 (m, 1H), 3.98-3.79 (m, 4H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.62-3.22 (m, 2H), 3.23 (d, J=13.5 Hz, 1H), 3.00-2.95 (q, 1H), 2.37-2.31 (m, 1H), 2.23-2.10 (m, 2H), 2.02-1.88 (m, 3H), 1.46-1.28 (m, 2H), 0.97 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 6H).

Synthesis of N-((2S,3R)-1-amino-3-hydroxy-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-((S)-1-((2S,3R)-2-amino-3-hydroxybutanoyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-2-benzylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (D & E)

A solution of compound 13 (100 mg, 0.153 mmol) in methanolic-NH₃ (10 mL) was stirred in a sealed tube at RT for 72 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained crude residue was washed with ether (2×2 mL) to afford a diastereomeric mixture of Compound D & E (85 mg). 85 mg of this mixture was further purified by chiral preparative HPLC to yield 15 mg each of Compound D and E.

¹H-NMR: (500 MHz, CD₃OD) (Rotamers): δ 7.33-7.26 (m, 3H), 7.16 (s, 2H), 4.55-4.54 (m, 1H), 4.39 (s, 1H), 4.14 (s, 1H), 4.01-3.98 (m, 1H), 3.91-3.71 (m, 3H), 3.59 (s, 2H), 3.25-3.16 (m, 1H), 3.04-3.00 (m, 1H), 2.33-2.10 (m, 3H), 2.01-1.91 (m, 2H), 1.86-1.80 (m, 1H), 1.46-1.44 (m, 1H), 1.34-1.29 (m, 1H), 1.25-1.19 (m, 3H), 0.99-0.97 (d, J=14.0 Hz, 3H).

Mass m/z: 503 [M⁺].

HPLC Purity: 98.1%.

Example 5 [³H] MK-801 Binding Assay

This example demonstrates a [³H] MK-801 binding assay that may be used to assess agonistic and/or antagonistic properties of candidate NMDA receptor modulators.

Crude synaptic membranes were prepared from rat forebrains as described in Moskal et al. (2001), “The use of antibody engineering to create novel drugs that target N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors,” Curr. Drug Targets, 2:331-45. Male 2-3 month old rats were decapitated without anesthesia by guillotine, and the brains were rapidly removed (˜90 sec) and whole cortex and hippocampus dissected on an ice cold platform, frozen on dry ice, and stored at −80° C. Samples were homogenized in 20 volumes of ice cold 5 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.4 by Brinkman Polytron and pelleted 48,000×g for 20 min at 4° C., and washed an additional 3 times as described above. Membranes were then resuspended in 5 mM EDTA and 15 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.4 and incubated for 1 hr at 37° C., membranes pelleted at 48,000×g for 20 min at 4° C., snap frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at −80° C. On the day of the experiment, membranes were thawed at room temperature and washed an additional 7 times in ice cold 5 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.4) as described above. After the last wash, membranes were resuspended in assay buffer (5 mM Tris-acetate pH 7.4), and protein content was determined by the BCA assay.

[³H] MK-801 binding assays were preformed as described in Urwyler et al. (2009), “Drug design, in vitro pharmacology, and structure-activity relationships of 3-acylamino-2-aminopropionic acid derivatives, a novel class of partial agonists at the glycine site on the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor complex,” J. Med. Chem., 52:5093-10. Membrane protein (200 μg) was incubated with varying concentrations of the test compounds (10⁻³-10⁻¹⁷M) with 50 μM glutamate for 15 min at 23° C. Assay tubes were then incubated under non-equilibrium conditions with [³H]MK-801 (5 nM; 22.5 Ci/mmol) for 15 min at 23° C. followed by filtration through Whatman GF/B filters using a Brandel M-24R Cell Harvester. Then the tubes were washed three times with assay buffer (5 mM Tris-acetate PH 7.4), and the filters were analyzed by liquid scintillation to calculate the disintegrations per minute (DPM). Zero levels were determined in the absence of any glycine ligand and in the presence of 30 μM 5,7-Dichlorokynurenic acid (5,7-DCKA). Maximal stimulation was measured in the presence of 1 mM glycine. 50 μM glutamate was present in all samples.

For each data point (i.e., a single concentration of the test compound), the % maximal [³H] MK-801 binding was calculated by the following formula:

% maximal [³H]MK-801 binding=((DPM_((test compound))−DPM_(5,7-DCKA))/(DPM_(1 mM glycine)−DPM_(5,7-DCKA)))×100%

The efficacy for each compound, expressed as the % increase in [³H] MK-801 binding, is calculated by fitting the data to a “log(agonist) vs. response (three parameters)” equation using Graph Pad Prism, with the efficacy for the test compound being the best-fit top value.

TABLE 1 [³H] MK-801 Binding Assay Data. Efficacy (% Increase in Compound Potency [³H] MK-801 Binding) A 5 pM 79% B 6 pM 24% C 16 pM 23% D 0.2 pM 12% E 0.2 pM 12%

Example 6 NMDA Receptor (NMDAR) Currents

This example demonstrates an assay for determining the effect of test compounds on NMDAR currents.

Experiments were conducted on hippocampal slices from 14-18 day old Sprague-Dawley rats as described in Zhang et al. (2008) “A NMDA receptor glycine site partial agonist, GLYX-13, simultaneously enhances LTP and reduces LTD at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses in hippocampus,” Neuropharmacology, 55:1238-50. Whole cell recordings were obtained from CA1 pyramidal neurons voltage clamped at 60 mV, in slices perfused with (artificial cerebrospinal fluid) ACSF containing 0 mM [Mg2+] and 3 mM [Ca2+], plus 10 μM bicuculline and 20 μM CNQX to pharmacologically isolate NMDAR-dependent excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs). Varying concentrations of test compound (10 nM to 1 μM) were bath applied and Schaffer collateral fibers were stimulated with single electrical pulses (80 μs duration) once every 30 s. NMDAR EPSCs were characterized by long rise and decay times, and were fully blocked at the end of each experiment by bath application of the NMDAR-specific antagonist D-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (D-AP5; 50 μM). The efficacy of a test compound was calculated as the % increased in NMDAR current from the baseline. The baseline was measured as the NMDAR current before the test compound was applied.

TABLE 2 NMDAR Current Assay Data. Efficacy (% Change in Compound Concentration NMDAR Current from Baseline) A 1 μM 70% B NT NT C NT NT D 1 μM 75% E 1 μM 10% NT = not tested.

Example 7 Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) Assay

This example demonstrates an assay for determining the effect of test compounds on LTP.

Hippocampal slices from 14-18 day old Sprague-Dawley rats were transferred to an interface recording chamber and continuously perfused at 3 ml/min with oxygenated ACSF at 32±0.5° C. Low resistance recording electrodes were made from thin-walled borosilicate glass (1-2 MQ after filling with ACSF) and inserted into the apical dendritic region of the Schaffer collateral termination field in stratum radiatum of the CA1 region to record field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs). A bipolar stainless steel stimulating electrode (FHC Co.) was placed on Schaffer collateral-commissural fibers in CA3 stratum radiatum, and constant current stimulus intensity adjusted to evoke approximately half-maximal fEPSPs once each 30 s (50-100 pA; 100 ms duration). fEPSP slope was measured by linear interpolation from 20%-80% of maximum negative deflection, and slopes confirmed to be stable to within ±10% for at least 10 min before commencing an experiment. Long-term potentiation (LTP) was induced by a high frequency stimulus train (3×100 Hz/500 ms; arrow) at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses in control (vehicle), untreated slices, or slices pre-treated with test compound (10 nM to 100 μM). Long-term potentiation signals were recorded using a Multiclamp 700B amplifier and digitized with a Digidata 1322 (Axon Instruments, Foster City, Calif.). Data were analyzed using pClamp software (version 9, Axon Instruments) on an IBM-compatible personal computer. The efficacy was calculated as the % increase in long-term potentiation measured for slices pre-treated with test compound as compared to vehicle.

TABLE 3 LTP Assay Data. Efficacy (% Increase Compound Concentration from Vehicle) A NT NT B NT NT C NT NT D 1 uM 30% E 1 uM 10% NT = not tested.

Example 8 Porsolt Test

This example demonstrates the Porsolt test for assessing test compounds for antidepressant activity.

Experiments were conducted as described in Burgdorf et al. (2009) “The effect of selective breeding for differential rates of 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations on emotional behavior in rats,” Devel. Psychobiol., 51:34-46. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (2-3 month old) were dosed with test compound (0.3 to 30 mg/kg; intravenously via tail vein injection, or per os via gastric gavage) or vehicle (1 ml/kg sterile saline, or 1 ml/kg DMSO for 2,5-diazaspiro[3.4]octan-1-one) in a blind manner 1 hr before testing. Animals were placed in a 46 cm tall×20 cm in diameter clear glass tube filled to 30 cm with tap water at room temperature (23° C.±0.5° C.) for 5 min on the test day. All animals were towel dried after each swimming session by the experimenter. Water was changed after every other animal. Animals were videotaped and total duration (sec) of floating behavior (as defined as the minimal movement required in order to maintain the animal's head above the water) was quantified by a blind experimenter.

TABLE 4 Porsolt Assay Data. Compound Dose, Route % Reduction in Floating A 3 mg/kg, i.v.  90% B NT NT C NT NT D 1 mg/kg, p.o. 84% E 1 mg/kg, p.o. 63% NT = not tested.

EQUIVALENTS

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The entire contents of all patents, published patent applications, websites, and other references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated herein in their entireties by reference. 

What is claimed is: 1-12. (canceled)
 13. A method of modulating the NMDA receptor comprising the step of administering a compound represented by:

wherein R⁴ is H; R¹ is benzyl; R⁵ is

R² is H or CH₃; R³ is H or CH₃, and stereoisomers, N-oxides or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein R² and R³ are CH₃.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein R² is CH₃ and R³ is H.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound is represented by:


17. A method of modulating the NMDA receptor comprising the step of administering a compound represented by:


18. The method of claim 1, wherein said administration is provided to a patient suffering from at least one of cerebral ischemia, stroke, brain trauma, brain tumors, acute neuropathic pain, chronic neuropathic pain, sleep disorders, drug addiction, depression, certain vision disorders, ethanol withdrawal, anxiety, and memory and learning disabilities.
 19. The method of claim 5, wherein said administration is provided to a patient suffering from at least one of cerebral ischemia, stroke, brain trauma, brain tumors, acute neuropathic pain, chronic neuropathic pain, sleep disorders, drug addiction, depression, certain vision disorders, ethanol withdrawal, anxiety, and memory and learning disabilities 